The BYU Cougars kicked off their season with a decisive 27–3 victory over Stanford, giving Cougar Nation plenty to celebrate. The defense was the star of the night, holding the Cardinal to just 161 total yards while forcing turnovers and delivering a safety. It was the kind of suffocating performance that sets a winning tone for the season.
But even in victory, BYU revealed a handful of flaws that will need polishing before Big 12 play.
Penalties in Key Moments
Costly flags repeatedly stalled drives. A holding call inside the red zone erased a touchdown and forced BYU to settle for three. Cleaning up the discipline could turn field goals into game-breaking touchdowns.
Dropped Passes
Receivers Parker Kingston and Chase Roberts each had drops in promising situations. Both are proven playmakers, and these miscues are uncharacteristic. Sharpening focus here will help sustain momentum and finish drives.
Ball Security on Special Teams
For the second straight week, Kingston muffed a punt. Against Stanford, it didn’t swing the game, but in conference play, one mistake like that could shift momentum. Better decision-making and ball security will be crucial.
Red Zone Efficiency
Despite consistently reaching Stanford territory, BYU often failed to finish. Settling for field goals instead of touchdowns left as many as 16 points on the field. With improved execution, those opportunities can—and should—be converted.
The positive takeaway? Every one of these issues is fixable. The Cougars didn’t struggle with effort or talent; they struggled with details. And details can be cleaned up.
If BYU can eliminate penalties, secure the ball, and execute inside the 20, their next win won’t just be comfortable—it will be dominant. Fans should feel confident that the Cougars are just scratching the surface of their potential.
